Boosting International Student Wellbeing in Social Work
An exciting project aimed at improving international student wellbeing in social work education is making waves in the Department of Social Work. Launched in 2023 and set to run until 2025, 'Teaching for Wellness' brings together a dynamic team of researchers and students to tackle this important issue head-on. Led by Hanh Nguyen, Dr Kath Sellick, A/Prof David Rose, and Prof Lou Harms, the project is key to the Department of Social Work's approach to supporting international students.
As part of this project, five international students studying a Master of Social Work (MSW) in Melbourne joined the team as expert co-researchers. Using Photovoice (a qualitative research method that combines photography and narrative storytelling to capture individuals' lived experiences), they identified key aspects of social work education that influence international student wellbeing. Students subsequently co-designed strategies and programs to promote belonging, equity, and support for international students in the MSW at the University of Melbourne.
Several of these co-designed strategies have been implemented. For example, the MSW Wellbeing Connect team (Rachel Blance-Palmer, Larissa Fogden, and Hanh Nguyen) was recently established to support MSW students in navigating university and academic systems and make referrals to appropriate supports and services. Following co-researchers’ recommendations, the team also developed an MSW Student Wellbeing booklet, providing information on services and resources available on campus and in the community, which has received positive student feedback.
Furthermore, the MSW orientation program was adjusted as per student co-researchers’ feedback, to further foster connections between domestic and international students, increase students’ engagement with student representative bodies, and familiarise students with the campus. A dedicated session for international students was introduced, enabling students to build peer networks and share practical tips and insights into navigating Australian systems such as healthcare, education, and public transportation.
Looking forward to the remainder of 2025, the team aims to continue implementing the ideas developed by the ‘Teaching for Wellness’ international student co-researchers. This includes the expansion of curricular materials on Australian health and social service systems to better contextualise the MSW content within the Australian context; and the development of a peer advocacy and peer mentor program for international students that promotes the international student voice and enables peer-based system navigation support.
This work was recognised with an MSHS Belonging, Equity, and Diversity award for Hanh Nguyen and Dr Kath Sellick in 2024.
